Ricky Lawson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ricky Lawson
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Lawson in 2006
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Riser III |
| Born | November 8, 1954 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | December 23, 2013 (aged 59) Long Beach, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instruments | Drums |
William Riser III (born November 8, 1954 – died December 23, 2013), known as Ricky Lawson, was an American drummer and composer. He was born in Detroit, Michigan. Ricky Lawson was a very busy and talented musician who played drums for many famous artists. He was known as a session musician, which means he was hired to play on recordings and tours for different bands and singers.
Ricky Lawson worked with huge stars like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Whitney Houston. He also helped start a jazz-fusion band called Yellowjackets. In 1987, he won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance for a song called "And You Know That" from their album Shades.
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Ricky Lawson's Early Life and Music Journey
Ricky Lawson started playing drums when he was sixteen years old. He would borrow his uncle's drum set. He carried it across town on the bus to practice at his own house. In high school, Ricky played in his school's jazz band. It was a small group with only five members, including their teacher.
Ricky also played for a band called The Sons of Soul. They performed at the 1969 Michigan State Fair. They even opened for the famous group The Jackson Five!
From Swimming to Superstardom
Besides music, Ricky Lawson was also good at sports in high school. He played water polo and was a talented swimmer. His swimming skills earned him a scholarship to college. However, he only stayed for one year. He got an amazing chance to play drums for the legendary musician Stevie Wonder. This was the start of his incredible music career.
Playing for Music Legends
In the 1980s and 1990s, Ricky Lawson became a top drummer for many of the world's biggest music stars.
Drumming for Michael Jackson
Ricky Lawson was the drummer for Michael Jackson's huge world tours. He played on the "Bad Tour" from 1987 to 1989. He also joined the "Dangerous Tour" in 1992 and 1993. Imagine playing drums for the "King of Pop"!
Working with Whitney Houston
Ricky Lawson also played drums for Whitney Houston. He was part of her famous hit song, "I Will Always Love You". In this song, he has a special one-note drum "solo." He hits the tom drums right before Whitney's powerful singing part. Ricky said this was his favorite solo of his entire career.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Ricky Lawson worked with many other famous musicians. These included Quincy Jones, Bette Midler, Lionel Richie, and George Benson. He also played with Toto and Al Jarreau. He even helped write a song for the Pointer Sisters called "Uh-Uh." He also helped produce their album Serious Slammin'.
He was also the drummer for Phil Collins on his "Both Sides tour" in 1994-1995. He also played on the "Dance into the Light Tour" in 1997.
Ricky Lawson's Solo Music
Besides playing for others, Ricky Lawson also released his own music.
Ricky Lawson and Friends Album
In 2001, Ricky Lawson released his own album called Ricky Lawson and Friends. On this album, he played drums, arranged the music, produced it, and wrote all the songs. He worked with many talented artists on this project. The album was a mix of R&B, pop, and jazz music.
Christmas with Friends Album
In 2008, Ricky Lawson created a special Christmas album. It was called Christmas with Friends. He invited many guest musicians to play classic Christmas songs with him.
Ricky Lawson's Legacy
Ricky Lawson was performing at a jazz club on December 13, 2013. He suddenly felt unwell and was taken to the hospital. Doctors found that he had a brain aneurysm, which is a serious condition. He passed away on December 23, 2013, at 59 years old.
In one of his last recordings, Ricky Lawson played on an album for the famous bassist Nathan East. This album was released in 2014. The album's notes included a special message: "In memory of Ricky Lawson." This shows how much he was respected by other musicians.
Discography
With Yellowjackets
- 1981: Yellowjackets
- 1983: Mirage a Trois
- 1985: Samurai Samba
- 1986: Shades
As a Leader
- 1997: First Things 1st
- 2001: Ricky Lawson and Friends
- 2008: Christmas with Friends
As a Sideman
- 1975: Mystic Voyage (Roy Ayers Ubiquity)
- 2000: Two Against Nature (Steely Dan)
- 2014: Nathan East
Images for kids
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Ricky Lawson in 2006
